Publications catalogue

Catalog N. :
KE-02-15-354-EN-N

Social dialogue refers to the discussions, consultations, negotiations and joint actions that take place between the social partners, namely employers and trade unions, on a wide range of social and work-related issues.
At EU level, social dialogue was launched in 1985 by President Delors at Val Duchesse. Since then, social dialogue has been considered crucial to promote competitiveness and fairness and to enhance economic prosperity and social well-being. Developing and fostering social dialogue is an essential element of the European social model. European social dialogue complements and supports national social dialogue and industrial relations.

Catalog N. :
KE-02-15-223-EN-N

This study examines the economic trends that have led to changes in employment and industrial relations in the telecommunications and ICT sectors at national and European level. It is intended to provide an analytical underpinning to establish new demarcation lines of the industry from the view point of the European social dialogue. As such, it is intended as an entry point for the representativeness study in the sector.

This publication will be available in electronic format only in English.

Catalog N. :
KE-AS-14-001-EN-C

The Industrial Relations in Europe series provides an overview of trends and developments in the collective relationships between workers, employers and their respective representatives in the European Union. The 2014 edition examines the fallout of the economic and sovereign debt crisis in relation to industrial relations and social dialogue. It includes in-depth analyses of developments in wage bargaining systems; industrial relations in Member States receiving financial assistance, as well as industrial relations and youth employment. In addition, it presents an update of recent developments in European Social Dialogue and Labour Law.

This publication is available in printed format in English.

Table of contents

This chapter presents an up-to-date picture of industrial relations in the EU and discusses significant developments that have occurred, considering them in the context of changes to industrial relations taking place over the longer-term. Some changes that we are currently witnessing have been shown to be rooted in trends that began long before the economic crisis, but which have, sometimes, been intensified by it, whereas other developments have been directly induced by the crisis.

On the basis of the main trends identified in chapter 1, this chapter considers the role of collective bargaining in wage-setting, in a context of greater intervention by national governments and an evolving European economic governance regime.

Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus faced a severe debt and fiscal crisis, with weak economic growth and large increases in unemployment. All five countries implemented far-reaching reforms, including to industrial relations systems, but social dialogue did not always play a prominent role in the design and implementation of such reforms, and in many cases consensus proved elusive. With the goal of linking wages better to company-level productivity levels, measures have been taken that decentralised wage bargaining. The effect of the reforms on the quality of social dialogue will need to be carefully monitored.

This chapter gives an overview of the role of industrial relations in promoting schemes to help young people enter the labour market. It focuses on topics for discussion between the social partners and the actions taken and initiatives put in place to try to address the problems associated with youth unemployment.

European social dialogue refers to discussions, consultations, negotiations and joint actions involving organisations representing the two sides of industry (employers and workers) at the European level. This chapter provides an overview of developments from September 2012 to December 2014, with a focus on processes, actors and outcomes.

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the developments at EU level in the field of labour law including health and safety at work during the past two years. It highlights legislative developments and related action aiming at ensuring in particular the correct implementation, monitoring and review of EU law, and summarises key Court rulings in the area at issue.

Catalog N. :
KE-AV-14-001-EN-N

The Industrial Relations in Europe series provides an overview of trends and developments in the collective relationships between workers, employers and their respective representatives in the European Union, including the tripartite dimension where public authorities at different levels are involved.
The 2014 edition examines the fallout of the economic and sovereign debt crisis in relation to industrial relations and social dialogue. It includes in-depth analyses of developments in wage bargaining systems; industrial relations in Member States receiving financial assistance, as well as industrial relations and youth employment. In addition, it presents an update of recent developments in European social dialogue and labour law.
The Executive Summary is available online in 24 language versions.

Catalog N. :
KE-02-14-709-EN-N

This compendium is partly the result of seven peer reviews on corporate social responsibility (CSR) that took place in 2013 between EU Member State ministries. It provides an update on the actions taken by EU Member States since the publication of the 2011 Communication on CSR. Some of the most common approaches as well as good practices are highlighted in a series of thematic sections, relating to different parts of CSR policy. There is a substantial annex on initiatives taken Member State-by-Member State.

Catalog N. :
KE-AV-13-001-EN-N

This executive summary of the report looks at how industrial relations have evolved since our last edition in 2010. As the financial crisis has developed into a sovereign debt crisis, government reforms have had a fundamental impact on relations between employers, trade unions and public authorities. Whilst social dialogue had been a factor of resilience in overcoming the early effects of the crisis, its duration and depth has now resulted in an unfavourable setting for social dialogue. Nevertheless the summary highlights the importance of continued well-structured dialogue and underscores the Commission's commitment to support and promote it moving forward.

Catalog N. :
KE-AS-12-001-EN-C

This report reviews trends and developments in the relationship between workers, employers, their respective representatives and public authorities at national and EU level during 2010-12. It looks at how the continuing crisis and reforms implemented in response may be having a more fundamental impact on industrial relations, as conflict is increasing. In certain countries, fiscal consolidation has resulted in unfavourable settings for social dialogue, especially in the public sector, where reforms have been accelerated. Despite this the report concludes that structured social dialogue is still the right approach for building consensus and ensuring the sustainability of economic and social reforms.

This report is available in printed format in English.

All the graphs and tables included in this report can be downloaded both in gif and excel format by accessing the individual chapters here.

Catalog N. :
KE-32-11-943-EN-C

Social partners play a vital role in shaping European social policy and the European Commission consults them extensively. This brochure gives an overview of the social partners’ contribution to EU integration before setting out how this consultation works. It looks at consultations related to legislative proposals and those aimed at supporting EU policies. In addition, it addresses the topic of Impact Assessment. Lists of publications, websites and social partner organisations are also provided. The brochure is available in English, French and German.

The Industrial Relations in Europe 2010 report reviews developments in the relationships between workers, employers and their respective representatives during 2008-10. This Executive summary of the report gives an overview of the impact of the economic crisis and the role of social partners in combating it. It then looks at the seven chapters of the report. These cover trends in European industrial relations, social partners' perspectives on and responses to the crisis, wage flexibilisation and the minimum wage, industrial relations and the transition to a low-carbon economy, as well as developments in EU social dialogue and legislation in 2008–10. The summary is available in electronic format in all official EU languages whereas the full report is available in English in printed format (ISBN 978-92-79-17861-0).

Catalog N. :
KE-31-11-095-EN-C

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a well-established concept within the EU agenda, and although complex, influences a number of policy areas. This compendium of national public CSR policies in the EU identifies eight topics which reflect current CSR priorities and trends. Sections are included on socially responsible supply chain management, reporting and disclosure, and further chapters explore the potential of CSR in areas such as climate change, small and medium-sized enterprises, socially responsible investment, education and public procurement. This document provides a timely update on main Member State CSR priorities and will inform the Commission's future work. This publication is available in printed format in English, French and German.